The revegetation program began in 1981 with the seeding of the construction site disturbance and has been ongoing every year. The main objectives of the revegetation program are:
1. Erosion Control (wind and water),
2. Water Management,
3. Aesthetic Value.
The minesite area has the additional objective of achieving the end land use of wildlife habitat and watershed protection as documented in the Development and Reclamation Approval. The initial seed, fertilizer and mulch application rates were developed from recommendations made by consultants. These recommendations were followed as close as possible. Later applications were adjusted according to the availability of seed supplies. Besides seed supply other variables such as weather, time of sampling, experience of samplers, reseeding and refertilization of areas, etc., will result in this paper to be considered as a preliminary indication of trends of suitable plant species and their relative success rather than as a scientific dissertation.
A visual inspection of the area indicates that the main objectives of the revegetation program has been successful. It is hoped that many {if not all) of you will be able to attend the tour tomorrow and judge for yourselves. The
monitoring program also was successful in providing some preliminary data. As this data is gathered it may be necessary in the future to refine the monitoring program to provide more meaningful data.